Nick Juliano
Cholesterol
Cholesterol: a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body.
Organic Molecule Type: Lipid
Lipid: an organic molecule that is insoluble in water, yet soluble in organic solvents. This
includes fat, waxes, phospholipids and steroids.
Chemical Formula: C27H46O
Structural Formula:
Purpose: Cell walls in the body need cholesterol to produce hormones, vitamin D, and bile
acids. Bile is a fluid produced in the liver that aids in the digestion of lipids/foods which contain
fat in the small intestines. The body only needs a limited supply of cholesterol, an overly
excessive amount can lead to health issues such as heart disease.
Found: Cholesterol is found in the cell membranes of all animal tissues, so animal products are
the most significant source. Plants and plant products also contain small amounts of cholesterol
such as flax seed and peanut.
Positive effects: Helps adjust and balance the temperature of cells, used by nerve cells for
insulation, produces and synthesizes hormones, produces vitamin D, used to produce bile thus
playing a critical role in the digestion of fats.
Negative effects: Ingesting too much cholesterol can cause plaque to form in your arteries,
which narrows the path blood uses to flow to the heart. This can eventually lead to heart
disease. Also, plaque buildup can prevent your brain from receiving enough blood and oxygen
which can lead to a stroke.
Different types:
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) (bad): when too much of this circulates in your blood, it can slowly
accumulate in the arteries leading to your heart and veins.
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) (good): Removes excess cholesterol from excessive buildup in
arteries and slows its buildup.
Biochemistry: there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. maintaining a balance between the
two is essential for healthy digestion, cell stability, hormone growth and blood circulation.
Test Question:
Cholesterol is…
A. Carbohydrate
B. Lipid
C. Protein
D. Amino Acid
E. None of the above